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(), n.[F. patriarche, L. patriarcha, Gr. , fr. lineage, especially on the father's side, race; father + a leader, chief, fr. to lead, rule. See Father, Archaic.] 1. The father and ruler of a family; one who governs his family or descendants by paternal right; -- usually applied to heads of families in ancient history, especially in Biblical and Jewish history to those who lived before the time of Moses. 2. (R. C. Ch. & Gr. Ch.) A dignitary superior to the order of archbishops; as, the patriarch of Constantinople, of Alexandria, or of Antioch. 3. A venerable old man; an elder. Also used figuratively. The patriarch hoary, the sage of his kith and the hamlet. Longfellow. The monarch oak, the partiarch of trees. Dryde. スポンサード リンク
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